Lawmakers, Think Tank To Develop Bipartisan National AI Strategy
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By
Aaron Boyd
Two representatives are teaming up with the Bipartisan Policy Center to work on a national framework for AI development and deployment.
The federal government is very focused on the development of artificial intelligence, from White House directives to increase use in government and support development in the private sector to national labs and agencies doing invaluable research into the future of advanced computing.
As government struggles with the technical and ethical complications of AI, two lawmakers want to have a bipartisan discussion about how the legislative and executive branches will handle breakthroughs in the technology.
Reps. Robin Kelly, D-Ill., and Will Hurd, R-Texas, announced a partnership Thursday with the Bipartisan Policy Center to work on a strategy and national framework for the use of AI in government and American society as a whole.
In a statement announcing the effort, Kelly pointed to the international race for AI dominance and the dire effects on economic and national security if the U.S. falls behind.
“At present, we are woefully underprepared for this technological revolution,” she said. “It is vital that our nation has a real, actionable AI strategy that ensures long-term U.S. competitiveness and security.”
“We need a national AI strategy to ensure the U.S. is prepared to lead on technology that will define the course of this century,” Hurd agreed. “I am excited to once again work with my friend and colleague, Rep. Kelly, to tackle this important issue.”
As part of this effort, the Bipartisan Policy Center will assist with bringing together “an array of policy experts,” including stakeholders, leaders and academics from the public and private sectors. Kelly and Hurd pointed to the center’s work on issues like the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act.
“Used wisely, artificial intelligence will enhance national security, strengthen our economy, and extend opportunities to millions of Americans who are on the sidelines of our modern economy. However, realizing the full potential of AI is not a foregone conclusion,” said Jason Grumet, the center’s president. “With thoughtful effort, Congress can spur the development of AI while protecting individual privacy, avoiding bias and promoting economic and social inclusion.”